Running head: FOOD INSECURITY AMONG RURAL, LOW-INCOME FAMILIES 26
Family Science Review, Volume 22, Issue 1, 2018
© 2018 Family Science Association. All rights reserved.
Food Insecurity among Rural, Low-Income Families
Yoshie Sano
Washington State University Vancouver
Sheila Mammen
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Brittney Oliver
Mississippi State University
ABSTRACT. Compared to the general population, the rate of food insecurity is much higher
among rural, low-income families. This paper summarizes 20 years of research findings on the
food insecurity of marginalized rural families in three specific areas: (a) family food practice and
management, (b) food insecurity and health outcomes, and (c) formal and informal supports and
food insecurity. Overall, the findings demonstrate that the causes and consequences of food
insecurity are complex and are embedded in various contextual factors that rural families face.
This paper discusses the importance of building multi-disciplinary, multi-level programs (i.e.,
individual, family, and community) and policies to reduce food insecurity. These programs and
policies would ultimately promote the health and well-being of rural low-income families.
Direct correspondence to Yoshie Sano at yoshie_sano@.wsu.edu